Cinetalk:Wax On,Wax Off

In one of the hottest months on record I want to go to the movies just to get out of the heat. So, where are the big blockbusters? Could this be a popcorn-free summer? Okay, the Twilight series new release is huge but I can wait a bit until the kids have all seen it. Though I’m not usually big on remakes, who doesn’t love a story like Karate Kid? It was a really fun feel-good film the first time and so with little to choose from it peaked my interest. Jaden Smith makes my case again for having a pre-teen category in the Oscars. Anyone could tell after his amazing performance in “The Pursuit of Happiness” that he was born to act. Though it was a little slow in developing, the storyline differed just enough to give it a more current flavor. Jackie Chan played the new Mr. Miyagi but had a lesser impact part than the original, which I felt worked well in trying to create a new character. The beautiful Taraji Henson (“Hustle and Flow”, “Benjamin Button”, “Date Night”) plays the single mom somewhat oblivious to the ripple effect of her relocation and its impact it has on her son socially. One thing stays consistent and that is kids can be mean in any time or place. Once again, the strong finish leaves you with a smile and a big thumbs-up.

Next, I’d like to talk about two films I saw; one a couple of years ago and the other a couple of months ago but didn’t review for a couple of reasons. One reason being I’d rather not get into the habit of trashing films especially since I’d like to think I don’t waste my time and money seeing crappy films on the big screen. I wasn’t writing my cine-blog when the first film came out so now I have to.

I was more than just a casual fan of the HBO series “Sex and the City” so I feel qualified to critique the full length features that followed. I will say that the hype surrounding the release of the first installment was feverish but the movie to me just fell flat on its face much like Carries runway experience. However, the movie didn’t recover as well. Too much time had passed in my opinion. The storyline was weak and was short on the usual borage of great one-liners. Didn’t we have enough of Big’s shortcomings throughout the series without watching him leave Carrie at the alter? The sequel was even more pathetic with another two years passing. The girls still dressing like it’s 2000 and they’re still hotties out on the town… in Abu Dhabi? Come on. Aidan and Big looked like they haven’t aged a day but I can’t say the same for the weary looking cast of ladies. I went to see it because I followed it from the start and the only reason I wasn’t terribly disappointed was because I went in with the lowest of expectations. I beg you Michael Patrick King, no more Sex and ANY City.

Thanks for your continued support and comments. I remain, John.